Research: research before innovation

‘How can I protect prefabricated concrete rail elements from stray current? What is the load-bearing capacity of cement bentonite sheet piling? How do I ensure proper bonding between high-strength concrete and a steel base? What is the impact of vibrations on the environment?’ Innovation comes with uncertainties. By conducting advance strategic research into technology, feasibility and dependency, you learn about the opportunities and possible risks of innovations.

From conceptual idea to feasible plan

Realising conceptual plans, improving existing construction processes, or building according to entirely new, innovative concepts. They all require a thorough understanding of all aspects of engineering down to the last implementation detail. These types of new, 'unknown' technologies or methods confront us with issues with a high risk profile. Due to their innovative character, there are no standard methods or calculation rules available for controlling the uncertainty related to the intended result. Research helps us to gain a clear understanding of the sensitivity of particular parameters.

Influential parameters

Strukton Survey & Monitoring conducts systematic research that focuses on influential parameters. Even at the start of your project, this gives you points of reference that help you understand important issues: ‘What are realistic values I can use in my calculations? Is the method feasible? Does the idea match the budget?’ You run a major risk if you do the work or incorporate it in a plan in a tender without knowing whether it is feasible. Research gives you a good insight into a project before you start. It also helps you to make decisions and come to grips with the associated risks. During our research, we never hesitate to try new ways. On the contrary, we relish the challenge of the unknown!

Research options

Strategic research programmes, sometimes funded by national or international governments.

IS2C [www.stw.nl/programmas/is2c]

C2Ca [www.c2ca.eu/]

SBRCurnet - committee

Deep Foundations Institute - committee

Setting up and supervising thesis research [for example, at Delft University of Technology and the Haagse Hogeschool]. Research provides a basis for strategic and conceptual plans.

Providing design teams, tender teams and execution teams with input in the shape of research plans or results.

Supervision and execution of research projects by a single party.

Looking for answers to non-standard construction issues.

Development of measurement concepts to support research.

Research into the composition of grout, bentonite or concrete mixtures: